Fitting tribute paid to Martyres of Nupi Lan Day

Imphal, Dec 12: State today pays fitting tribute to the martyred women of the state who had courageously waged war against the then colonial regime for the rights of the people in 1904 and 1939.State government of Manipur observed the day at Nupi Lan Memorial Complex here in Imphal. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh along with his council of Ministers and MLAs as well as the top officials of the state government paid floral tribute to the martyred women at Nupi Lal Memorial complex. Speaking in the observance, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that no power or force in the world can disintegrate us if we stand united with one voice. He further stated that we should never allow creating division among us and we have to make sure that the divide and rule politics should never invade us. He stated that there should be no differences among the various communities towards bringing unity and integrity of the State. He reiterated that various rumours, observations, speculations have brought unrest and tension among the people of the entire Northeast and Manipur in particular these days. In such a situation, womenfolk have a crucial role and responsibility to stabilise the situation, he added. The Chief Minister also stated that we have been living with certain imagination, speculation and mistrust among us for a long period of time. We need to stand together irrespective of political and community affiliation for better and prosperous Manipur, he added.

Calling out to the people especially the womenfolk of the State, Chief Minister said that we all should urge the Centre and present our standpoint and opinion for a stable, peaceful and better Manipur. He said that the government cannot do it all alone and it won’t be possible without the love and support of the people. All the stakeholders whether it is armed rebel groups or other groups should be invited and included in bringing a permanent solution in entire NorthEast and Manipur, he added. “The new government has already started working towards bringing a ‘new’ Manipur. With the love and support of the people of the State, the State has been experiencing a bandh free Manipur for the last 7-8 months”, Biren said. Lauding the Manipuri women’s role and sacrifices, Chief Minister said that we should always remember the courage and selfless sacrifices of those brave Manipuri women who fought the mighty British Empire in 1904 and 1939. Acknowledging that Manipuri womenfolk have always been at the forefront of various important issues, the Chief Minister appealed to the women community to come out and lend their support in bringing about peace and tranquillity in the State. Manipuri women’s role in the removal of the Assam Rifles from the sacred Kangla in 2004, against Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1957 and withdrawing of AFSPA from IMC areas of the State is commendable and would always be remembered, he added.As a part of the observance a drama on Nupi Lan was staged by Nupee Lan Memorial Association and Nupee Lan & Khongjom War Memorial Society.